Sleep Apnea: Causes and Treatment

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops for 10 seconds or more and starts quite repeatedly. This is a serious disorder that results in less oxygen in the blood causing discomfort and sleep obstruction.

Clinics offering sleep apnea treatment in San Antonio say that sleep apnea is of the following two types:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Central sleep apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea also referred to as OSA is caused when there is an issue with the mechanics of your breathing. There are numerous other causes and risk factors of OSA which are explained below.

  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • A narrow throat
  • Medical conditions causing congestion in upper airways
  • A round head
  • Allergies
  • Drug abuse or alcohol consumption

A dentist in San Antonio, TX says that obesity is one of the common causes of obstructive sleep apnea. Do you know that the majority of people suffering from sleep apnea have excess weight or obesity problems?  A BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates excess weight, while a BMI of 30 or above is a sign of obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea is not uncommon in children and there can be several reasons behind their cause. It could be due to Down syndrome that causes the enlargement of tonsils, tongue, and adenoids. Childhood obesity or Pierre-Robin syndrome could be the other two reasons behind obstructive sleep apnea.

According research by Sleep apnea center in San Antonio, ignoring sleep apnea issues could lead to cardiovascular problems, premature death, and accidents.

Central Sleep Apnea

It is quite strange but true! Medical experts have not been able to find out the root cause of central sleep apnea which is also referred to as CSA. In childhood, the reason for central sleep apnea is not clear which is called idiopathic by medical experts; however few reasons that could obstruct the brain signals to enable the normal breathing process which are as under:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Premature birth
  • Head injury
  • Smoking during pregnancy
  • Problems with brain stem or skull base

In adults, certain heart conditions, stroke or kidney failure might lead to CSA.

If you are suffering from OSA or CSA, you are advised to get in touch with an expert for sleep apnea treatment in San Antonio as soon as possible.

For more information related to sleep apnea treatment, feel free to connect with us.

Top 4 Reasons You Need to Visit a General Dentist Regularly

Preventive care and oral health check-up must be an integral part of your dental regime. It is advised to see a general dentist every 6 months to make sure your dental health remains in optimum shape at all times; however, truth to be told, more often than not people ignore their dental health and fail to see a general dentist unless they experience intense pain or any other dental issue.

In this post, we will share the top 4 reasons you must see a general dentist at least twice a year.

1. A thorough examination of your mouth

A general dentist performs a comprehensive evaluation of your mouth every time you pay a visit. Additional tests such as X-rays are also taken which helps find out any underlying dental issues if needed.

You must note that not all dental issues have prominent symptoms and you may not realize their development until they become severe.

When you visit a dentist every 6 months, your dentist evaluates your dental health comprehensively which helps to treat such issues in the early stages. Treating these issues in the early stages is cheaper and can be easily reversed. A general dentist in San Antonio, TX says that an example of this is tooth decay. In the early stages, tooth decay can be treated with fillings and it is cheaper to prevent further damage.

2. Restorative treatments can be performed

General dentist in San Antonio also suggests routine check-ups because even restorative treatments can be performed during routine check-ups. More often than not restorative treatments can be performed during the first visit and you do not need the second visit. In certain cases, the patient might need to see the dentist again.

3.Cosmetic procedures can be performed

Cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening can be performed during your routine check-up. Your dentist will also provide you with the best tips to keep your dental health in the best shape. If you need orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign, your dentist will advise you accordingly. In other words, you can get all of these services under one roof rather than going to different experts for each of them.

4. Keep your bright smile intact

You need to take the best care of your oral health to keep that million-dollar bright smile. From fixing decays to gum disease treatment, your dental care requires comprehensive and professional care which is why you should visit a general dentist at least twice a year.

Hope the post made for a good read. For more information related to a dentist in San Antonio, TX feel free to get in touch with us.

 

Why is Teeth Straightening Significant?

Teeth straightening has gained a great deal of popularity in recent times. People suffering from misaligned teeth are well aware of the perks of teeth straightening. All those wanting to own a healthy and hearty smile should get their teeth straightened right away. Approach an orthodontist in San Antonio, TX, to get things right. In all fairness, some of the best dental health experts in the U.S. can be found in San Antonio.

It is always a good idea to hold detailed chats with seasoned dentists in San Antonio. In this way, you will be able to know more about the art of teeth straightening. It goes without saying that a set of uneven teeth appears uninviting, to say the least. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to get your teeth straightened as soon as you possibly can.

Here is why teeth straightening is a significant process:

Enhances Self Confidence and Self Esteem

It would be no rocket science to understand that a set of uneven teeth is powerful enough to make your life miserable. Making public appearances becomes a real task if your teeth aren’t aligned. Also, such teeth will certainly lead to a decline in self-confidence (and self-esteem) if left untreated. Get in touch with dentists in San Antonio right away and you won’t be required to give public appearances and parties a skip.

Minimizes Several Major Dental Health Problems

In case your teeth are crowded, it would lead to a wide range of dental problems. The thing is: it becomes quite difficult to brush your teeth efficiently when your teeth are crowded and misaligned. Now, such a situation might lead to plenty of dental health problems. Removing fragments of food becomes quite difficult than usual when your teeth are misaligned. It is here that tooth straightening comes in handy.

Helps Correct Speech Problems

It is likely for a set of misaligned teeth to interfere with your tongue. Also, gaps between teeth might lead to a whistling sound. Also, the pronunciation of a certain set of words is bound to suffer if you have misaligned teeth. Similarly, a lisp is caused when the upper teeth tend to overlap the bottom teeth. Such problems can be kept at bay by approaching the best orthodontist in San Antonio.

Chewing Problems Get Sorted Out

Overbites and underbites can cause long-standing problems. You might have to think about avoiding some foodstuffs because of overbites and/or under-bites. Also, it is important to note that you will have to avoid the likes of nuts, chewing gum, hard candies, etc. if you are planning to embrace a brand-new set of dental braces anytime soon. Hold a lengthy session with your dentist in San Antonio if you wish to know more about tooth straightening.

So, if uneven teeth happen to be making life difficult for you, then it is time to get things corrected as soon as you possibly can. Drop a word or two to the best orthodontists in San Antonio, TX, and they will help you put all of the dental miseries to rest.

Why Shouldn’t Cavities be Taken for Granted?

The perils of leaving cavities untreated have been reminded time and again by dental health experts. Cavities are horrendous, even more so when you get to chew something. For one thing, cavities lead to toothache. And for another, cavities cause long-standing dental problems, right from tooth decay to gum infections. Get in touch with prominent dentists in San Antonio if you wish to put an end to this menace.

Remember, cavities are not to be taken for granted.

Children, in particular, have this habit of taking cavities for granted. There are times when they might not inform their parents of the pain they’re going through. Well, hesitation, coupled with the consequent delay in getting cavities treated, is what ends up complicating the situation by leaps and bounds.

Here are why cavities should never be taken for granted:

Cavities Tend to Intensify

Here’s the thing: cavities tend to intensify if left untreated. At first, most cavities are brown in colour. This colour would change to black after the cavity has intensified. It is important to note that a cavity can be treated quite effortlessly if it is in its infancy. However, the procedure would get complicated if you do not get them treated as soon as possible. Get in touch with the best pediatric dentist in San Antonio if your children are facing similar problems.

The Pain Caused Would Multiply

It is this pain that ends up complicating the matter. The pain that gets concocted alongside a cavity is a formidable force, to say the least. It is powerful enough to derail your child’s normal life. If you’ve gone through the ordeal at some point in your life, then you will be well aware of the discomfort that tends to accompany the pain. Chewing your favorite food would become a daunting task, and this is just the beginning.

Cavities Lead to Tooth Decay

This part is the final nail in the coffin. Cavities would lead to tooth decay. Consequently, your gums would be exposed to several harmful bacteria (in the absence of teeth). Now, this is quite a precarious situation, isn’t it? Smokers would be well aware of the long-standing gum problems that tend to make inroads into a person’s life in the absence of teeth. A healthy set of teeth does hold a lot of significance, no matter how insignificant it might appear to the naked eye.

Get in touch with a dental professional practicing pediatric dentistry in San Antonio to get things sorted.

Read more: – Top 4 Reasons You Must See a pediatrician

Cavities can cause long-term complications, which is a good enough reason for you to get them treated as soon as possible. The worst thing about cavities is not the pain they cause but the irreversible deterioration that tends to accompany the pain. Get in touch with the best pediatric dentist in San Antonio if your children happen to be suffering from cavities (and other dental problems)

Root Canal: Symptoms & Procedure

Root canal treatment is an effective dental procedure that is used to repair and save a badly decayed tooth. If your tooth is badly damaged or infected and you fear losing it, you must see a root canal specialist in San Antonio as soon as possible. In this post, we will go through the symptoms that indicate you need a root canal treatment as well as the procedure.

Signs you need a root canal treatment

  • Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food & fluids
  • Cracked or chipped teeth
  • Decay
  • Swollen gums
  • Sharp and excruciating pain

The root canal treatment is fairly simple and painless. The nerve and pulp of your tooth are removed and the area inside is cleaned. When left untreated the tissue around your tooth will get infected and start developing an abscess.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

To determine whether or not you need a root canal, you must visit a professional endodontist in San Antonio. The procedure starts with taking x-ray images of your tooth and the surrounding area. The endodontist will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth and the surrounding area. Now, the endodontist will drill access into the tooth and once the pulp, decayed nerve, and bacteria are removed, the whole area is cleaned using files. After cleaning the area your tooth is sealed. Depending upon your dental condition, your endodontist might choose to wait for a week to seal the tooth. In case there is an infection, your dentist in San Antonio TX will place some medication inside the tooth. And after the access hole is closed using a filling, your tooth may need a crown, crown post, or any other suitable restoration method to protect it from breaking.

Hope you found the post useful. For more information regarding root canal treatment, feel free to get in touch with our root canal specialist in San Antonio.

Reasons Veneers are the Perfect Cover-Up

Have you been feeling self-conscious due to stains, crooked teeth, unpleasant chips and unsightly gaps? Well, dental veneers are your answer. Cosmetic dentistry helps you get rid of your dental flaws with sheer ease and if you have been looking to get rid of any of the flaws mentioned above, you should sure consider dental veneers. Here are the reasons why-

1. Veneers are versatile

Cosmetic dentists say that Cosmetic Dentistry in San Antonio TX has made continual advancements over the years and dental veneers have been around for a while now. They tend to be quite durable and versatile. Veneers are also referred to as laminates and they easily cover minor as well as moderate flaws with sheer ease.

2. Fix a number of problems with veneers

Veneers help fix a number of problems with dental veneers including the following-

  • Uneven teeth
  • Gaps between frontal teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Teeth misalignment

3. Appealing and cost-effective

They are considered to be a cost-effective and appealing solution. If you are looking for a cost-effective and durable cosmetic dentistry solution, then you must surely consider dental veneers.

4. It is a quick procedure

A dentist in San Antonio, TX says that dental veneers do not take long and the entire procedure is pretty quick and painless. The procedure starts with the dentist evaluating your dental health. After having evaluated your oral health and cosmetic concerns, you will be advised about the cosmetic corrections. The whole procedure takes just two visits. During the first one, the dentist will strip away a thin layer of enamel off your teeth. This is to perfectly accommodate an ultra thin veneer. This process is also aimed at promoting a tight bond between your teeth and the veneer. Your dentist takes the impression and prepares a mold to help the technician fabricate customized veneers for you. You do not need to worry as you will be given a temporary set of veneers to wear until your custom veneers are being fabricated in the lab. Your second visit will involve checking the fit and appearance and to secure each veneer on your respective tooth. It is as easy as it could get, right?

5. Improve your smile significantly

Cosmetic dental in San Antonio, TX say that thousands of people get dental veneers every day and they experience a significant positive change in their life. You are advised to get in touch with a professional dentist for cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio, TX to get your oral health examined and to know the best available options for you.

For more information related to dentists in San Antonio, TX; feel free to get in touch with us.

4 Super Easy Tips to Take Care of Your Braces

Have you got dental braces from your orthodontist lately and wondering how to take care of them? Whether you have got ceramic, metal or lingual braces on, you need to take care of them properly. An Orthodontist in San Antonio, TX says that there are a number of ways you can take care of your braces. Let’s take a look at some of those easy ways.

1. Use a soft toothbrush for proper cleaning

You must use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth after every meal, regardless of whether you wear braces or not; however, it becomes even more important when you have braces on. Pesky food might get trapped between the brackets and it can certainly cause problems if not got rid of. You must brush those hard to reach areas with a good toothbrush. If you prefer using an electric toothbrush, you can use it as well.

2. Use the right brushing technique

The best orthodontist in San Antonio says that using the right brushing technique is extremely important. You should start brushing with your gum line by holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle. The brackets of your teeth must be cleaned as well. You are advised to brush after every meal if you are wearing braces.

Also use a good mouthwash to keep bad-breath at bay. Always use a mouthwash that is devoid of green or bright red dyes as it can discolour the metal materials of your braces. Always make sure that you follow each and every instruction provided by your orthodontist.

3. Do not ignore flossing

Truth to be told, flossing with braces on can be difficult, but it is highly recommended to get rid of small food particles that are stuck between your teeth or braces. You can use floss threaders which are available at almost every supermarket. Flossing at least once a day will suffice.

4. Avoid chewy and sticky foods

Your orthodontist will advise you to stay away from certain food types and you should never ignore their advice. Avoid consuming sticky, chewy or hard foods. Do not consume sugary foods and drinks as they will stain your brackets and also cause decay.

You should also get rid of certain bad habits such as nibbling on your nails or chewing pen lids as continuing to do so may bend the braces. Hope you found the post useful. For more information related to affordable braces in San Antonio or dental braces in San Antonio, TX, feel free to get in touch with our dentist in San Antonio, TX.

Top 4 Reasons You Must See a Pediatrician

One of the first doctors you will visit when your child grows up is a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists specialize in providing professional dental care to your children and teens. As you know children have to undergo a series of changes before they turn 18 and they need proper health care which includes dental health as well. It becomes important to help your child establish good oral practices and who else other than a dentist can do that. Here are the top reasons why you must take your child to a pediatric dentist.

1. Calmer, happier and healthier kids

Visiting a pediatric dentist in San Antonio may seem stressful at first, especially for your child as he or she doesn’t know what to expect during the visit, but you or your child doesn’t need to fret at all. Pediatric dentists are professionally trained medical experts who know how to create a comfortable environment for your child.

2. Get rid of old bad habits

Most of the parents complain about their child’s bad habits such as thumb sucking and teeth grinding. Such bad habits can lead to dental issues later in life. If your child is not able to get rid of such bad habits, you must see a children’s dentist in San Antonio as he or she will help your child establish good oral habits.

3. Development of mouth is monitored

Your child’s body undergoes a number of changes until he or she reaches the age of 18. The sooner your child sees the best pediatric dentist in San Antonio, the more you give the pediatric a chance to identify any oral issues that might be present. Giving your child an early start is always advised by professional dentists in San Antonio, TX.

4. Minimize pain and fear

Cavities are always on the cards and you want a professional and well-trained expert of children’s dentistry in San Antonio to monitor your child’s development and oral health related issues.

For more information related to children’s dental care, feel free to drop us a line.

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Dentures

With dentures, now that you have no or fewer teeth you may think that your oral hygiene routine is much relaxed. However, even with the best dentures in San Antonio, you need as much oral care as you needed with your real teeth. Denture wearers have to properly clean and maintain their denture teeth as well as ensure that their jaws remain healthy because gums are the foundation for your denture teeth. Any bacterial infection can cause irritation and sores on your gums which will make wearing dentures uncomfortable for you. If you are new to dentures and are wondering how to care for your oral health with dentures, read on!

1. Brush your denture teeth daily

Like you would do with your real teeth, even your denture teeth require daily brushing to keep them clean and hygienic. Brushing your dentures daily will help in ensuring that bacteria and plaque do not build up and cause irritation and stains. You should use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner and should gently brush your dentures. Do it very gently so that you don’t damage the denture plastic or bend attachments.

2. Soak your dentures overnight

This is a very important step in maintaining oral hygiene with dentures. Leaving your dentures in your mouth when you sleep could do more harm than good. Wearing dentures at night time could increase the saliva levels in your mouth which could be a perfect breeding ground that accelerated the growth of bacteria. Moreover, dentures serve no purpose during sleep hours. Wearing it overnight will not give your gums the much-needed break from the constant rubbing of dentures which can cause irritation, sores, and infection. The bacteria growth could evolve quickly into gum disease, stomatitis, and even pneumonia and the constant rubbing might encourage jawbone loss. Besides, soaking it overnight in clean water or denture cleaner can thoroughly clean your dentures.

3. Rinse dentures with clean water every time you eat

It is important to rinse your dentures every time you eat. A quick rinse will help get rid of the trapped food particles and will prevent stains and bacteria from building up. If food gets trapped and left unchecked, it can cause irritation, sores, and even increases the risk of gum disease. To ensure that your mouth stays clean and your dentures last longer, you shall incorporate daily rinsing and brushing in your oral care routine. Just remember to never rinse with hot water as it could affect the denture plastic and can cause it to warp.

4. Care well for your whole mouth

If you have partial dentures, you will take care of the rest of your teeth as much as possible. But you should also look after your gums as they serve as the base to your dentures. You should ensure that no food gets trapped in between your gums and dentures. Cosmetic dentists in San Antonio also recommend regularly massaging your gums to alleviate irritation and stimulate blood flow.

5. Regular dental checkups with your cosmetic dentist

Paying a visit to your prosthetist regularly is a part of maintaining your oral health with dentures. Your prosthetist will ensure that your dentures are fitting and functioning well. Visiting a dental clinic specializing in cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio twice a year is recommended to maintain your dentures and keep your oral health in good shape.

If you have more queries or concerns regarding getting dentures in San Antonio, you can arrange an obligation-free consultation with our experts.

Should I Extract My Tooth Or Save It?

When you have severe tooth pain or if your tooth has caught an infection, it might seem easy to pull the tooth out than dealing with the pain. Extraction may seem to be the easy choice at that moment but is surely not the best choice for you. Nothing functions like your natural tooth and so before you decide to pull or save your tooth, we want to make sure you know the facts and you are well-informed. You can always discuss it extensively with your general dentist in San Antonio, TX and you might reach a conclusion as to what is better.

Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth

Strength

Your natural tooth will have better strength than the artificial one. No tooth replacement options could function the same as your original tooth. Besides, you could maintain the natural structure of your jaw and mouth. Our dental clinic in San Antonio does offer the best tooth replacement options like dental implants but nothing is as strong as your original tooth.

Maintain a youthful appearance

Once you extract the tooth, the tooth root that supports the jaw is also gone. The bone surrounding that tooth will cave eventually which will make you look older.

Confidence

As the extraction takes a toll on your smile and appearance, you tend to lose confidence in freely passing that smile of yours. Patients tend to start smiling less and in a hesitant manner which negatively affects their lives.

Much less painful

People think that pulling the teeth will be less painful than restoring an infected tooth through a root canal or any other restoration procedure. However, the fact is there are chances of dry sockets after tooth removal which could be much more painful. Not to mention, other oral health issues like teeth shifting and plaque formation in the surrounding areas might follow.

Affordable

Saving your natural tooth is a cost-effective option than any other tooth-replacement methods. Moreover, you also have to bear extra maintenance costs along with future treatment costs in case if anything goes wrong.

When to pull out your natural tooth?

There are many good reasons to preserve your natural tooth but there are times when extraction is a better option. Cracked tooth below the gum line or tooth decayed to a level where it cannot be restored or several cracks in the tooth, then an extraction will be necessary. When the tooth becomes too weak that it is more of a threat to the health of the surrounding teeth and your overall oral health, then you shall get it extracted without any doubt. You shall consult your dentist and seek professional help before you jump to any conclusion.